500 Years Later

This is as powerful and engrossing a film as I have seen in a long time. Its brutal, unvarnished truth is etched into my psyche. It articulates, more clearly than I ever have, nearly every belief I hold about the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, its unyielding legacy, and its continuing negative effect on black society. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. I have only a couple of quibbles that prevent my ten-star rating.

First, I am offended by the inclusion of commentary from that hypocritical, self-hating windbag, Bill Cosby. Mr. Cosby continuously berates members of his own race for failing in ways that he has also failed, without attributing any blame to the curriculum of self-loathing in which black people have been indoctrinated for centuries.

Second, to routinely connect violence, drug addiction, and self-destructive behavior to the hip-hop community is just wrong-headed. Why are negative things in white culture (e.g., violence, drug use, severe tattooing and body piercing, obsession with goth and vampire cultures) overlooked—and often embraced—while hip-hop culture is held accountable for nearly all of the ills of black urban life?

This film mostly avoids the "victim" message, and reiterates the need for blacks to remember their history, good and bad. Jews perpetually educate their young about their history, and encourage them to never forget their own holocaust. Blacks also survived a holocaust, and we should never forget.

Everyone should experience 500 Years Later. This film is not only educational, but eye-opening and hopeful. 500 Years later is an informative journey through Pan-African history ending with a fresh outlook to combat an ongoing struggle.

The film begins by celebrating the richly diverse, thriving continent of Africa and demystifies the perception of pre-colonial life. Simultaneously revealing and condemning the horrific nature of enslavement, 500 years later wastes no time in confronting the relevant social issues confronting the African Diaspora. Intertwining both formally educated scholars and public opinions, people fresh with youth, and the wisdom of the elders, there are a variety of opinions and suggestions on how to uplift our global community. 500 years later places the emphasis on a worldwide responsibility and provides an honest portrayal of a historical viewpoint underrepresented, until now.

Unlike other documentaries, 500 Years Later kept my attention with not only the content, but also the beautiful cinematography shot around the world and the relevant artwork from both contemporary and historical sources. The soundtrack also evokes emotion and enhances the impact of the film as a whole.

The rich content on every level is almost overwhelming and for that reason, I suggest you see it more than once, or you may miss something. Watching this emotional journey should be a requirement for everyone in the world. I recommend that you see this film!

This DVD should be shown in all African schools as well.

It is the best educational material I have seen. I am also proud it was 100% funded and made by Africans. I had been looking and looking everywhere for something like this.

Every Black person should see this film. Please watch it again and again.

I would have liked to see more of the Islamic and Arab slavery. I wish it could have been promoted a bit more.

It needs to be more widely available.

Great DVD.

Peace and African Unity.

This film was an excellent work of art. I does not only provide factual information but allows the expression of the individual's opinion .

This is a film is a motivational for those who continue to struggle with some of the unfortunate events of life. It provides hope for our future generations.

500 Years Later captures the history, nobility, and victorious consciousness of African peoples all over the world. It is stunning in its breadth, magnificent in its depth, and brilliant in execution. This is sure to become a classic film

I look forward to the continutaion of this film

Joanne

Well what can I say, this film has brought a worldwide perspective on issues effecting many people living in a multicultural society today. The music and imagery were great, you can tell that a lot of time and effort has been put into making this film work.

I went into the cinema expecting to see a movie that was about the slave trade and what had happened 500 years ago, what I didn't expect was to be educated... I thought I knew all I needed to know about what had happened all those years ago but this film re-taught with boldness how it not only effected history but how it still effects this generation, whether Black or White this is a must see.

The film was interesting, thought provoking and intelligent. It also gave a message of hope and a way of reaching that light at the end of the tunnel and a way of tackling the problems that so many face from past generational hurts. I hope this can be shown in school and universities all around the country. Well recommended..!